Landmark Agreement Marks One of the Largest State-Level PFAS Settlements in U.S. History
In a significant legal milestone, 3M has agreed to pay $285 million this year to settle claims with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) over widespread PFAS contamination. The total value of the settlement could climb to $450 million, depending on how future legal conditions and liabilities unfold, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
This settlement is one of the largest of its kind at the state level, aiming to address decades of environmental harm allegedly caused by 3M’s production and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a group of toxic, man-made chemicals potentially linked to serious public health risks.
What the Settlement Covers
The agreement provides funds to help clean up PFAS pollution from public drinking water systems and to restore damaged natural resources throughout New Jersey. The state has been among the most proactive in the nation in pursuing PFAS litigation, filing suits against major manufacturers that knowingly polluted the environment with these persistent chemicals.
This agreement follows 3M’s broader $10.3 billion national settlement in 2023 with public water systems across the U.S., which focused on water treatment and contamination mitigation. The New Jersey settlement, however, expands the focus to include natural resource damages and long-term environmental restoration at the state level.
What Are PFAS—and Why Are They Harmful?
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including:
- Firefighting foam
- Nonstick cookware
- Food packaging
- Water-resistant clothing
- Industrial manufacturing processes
Because PFAS do not break down naturally, they accumulate in the environment and in the human body over time. Exposure to PFAS may cause:
- Kidney and testicular cancers
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system issues
- Developmental problems in infants and children
Consumer Lawsuits Against PFAS Manufacturers
As public awareness and regulatory scrutiny of PFAS grow, consumers across the country have begun filing PFAS lawsuits against manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. These lawsuits allege that companies:
- Knew about the health risks associated with PFAS for decades
- Failed to adequately warn the public
- Continued to profit from products containing dangerous chemicals
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’re currently reviewing claims from individuals and families who may have suffered from long-term PFAS exposure. Common sources of exposure include:
- Contaminated water sources
- Proximity to airports, military bases, or industrial sites
- Use of PFAS-contaminated consumer products
Victims of PFAS exposure may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, ongoing health monitoring, long-term care, and more.
Why Riddle & Riddle for PFAS Claims?
PFAS litigation is complex, requiring extensive legal experience, scientific knowledge, and the resources to challenge potentially liable powerful corporations. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we offer:
- Over 190 years of combined legal experience
- More than $850 million recovered for our clients since 2000 (see disclaimer below)
- A dedicated legal team committed to holding polluters accountable
If you or a loved one may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water or environmental pollution, call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free case review. If you qualify and decide to hire us, we’re here to fight for your health, your future, and your right to justice.
When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle.